Victoria in Bloom recognises and rewards the great work of gardening enthusiasts living in public or community housing.

It’s a way of saying thanks to tenants for their hard work to create and maintain amazing gardens that contribute to the communities they live in.

Tenants can enter all types of gardens - from balconies, to back yards and community gardens. No garden is too big or small.

There is no age limit either, with the Best Young Gardener category opening doors for under 25s who enjoy gardening or are thinking of a career in this field.

Victoria in Bloom recognises and rewards the great work of gardening enthusiasts living in public or community housing.

Nominations for the 2019-2020 Victoria in Bloom Garden competition are open on Monday 2 September to 29 November 2019.

The award categories for 2019-20

Best Balcony or Container Garden
Gardens that are on a balcony space or gardens made up of potted plants

Best Small Enclosed Garden
Gardens that are enclosed, such as courtyards

Best Young Gardener (under 25)
To enter this category, young gardeners must play an active role in gardening - either at home or in a community or school garden

Best Household Garden
Front or back gardens that are larger than a courtyard

Best Sustainable Garden
These gardens focus on being environmentally sustainable. They may include features like compost, water tanks, worm farms, mulch and drought-tolerant plants

Best Community or Common Area Garden
These gardens are in common areas and shared by a group of people, meaning they can be accessed and used by all the residents on a property. They are often part of an apartment or unit complex

Best Edible Garden
Gardens where most of the plants are fruit, vegetables and herbs

Best Creative Garden
A garden that has been designed using creativity, uniqueness and self-expression

Best First Year Entered Garden
Garden entered for the first time in the competition that is judged as best garden.

How do I enter?

To enter, once nominations are open, you need to register your garden by one of the following ways:

How is the competition judged?

We judge the competition in two stages – first by division (North, South, East and West) and then state wide. Winners in each division go on to be finalists in their category for the state-wide competition.

What does an award winning garden look like?

Have you ever wondered what makes an award winning garden?

Have a look at the community garden that earned Helen Rauschenbach the 2017-2018 Victoria in Bloom Gardener of the Year award. You can also read the video transcript (.docx).